Last Minute College Packing: Things You Need, Want, or Can't Bring

It’s crunch time for a lot of soon-to-be college students. If you’re a last-minute shopper and packer, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve broken down your college shopping into three categories: NEED, WANT, and CAN’T HAVE (check your residence hall’s rules). I’ve matched each item with specific products from my crowdsourced and curated lists.

Check my daily deals page and Harlan’s Lists to make sure you’re getting the best prices. Make sure you save your receipts. If you don’t like it, send it back. That’s one of the perks of shopping in August!

• TICONN 6-Pack Extra Large Moving Bags with Zippers & Carrying Handles — $26.99 (Amazon)

• FRAKTA Storage Bag for Cart, Blue — $5.00 (IKEA)

• VENO 6-Pack Heavy Duty Moving Bags with Backpack Straps — $34.99 (Amazon)

Fans

• IRIS USA WOOZOO Air Circulator Fan with Remote, Oscillating, 3 Speeds — $64.99 | $53.30 (Amazon)

• Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Air Circulator Fan, Black — $18.79 (Amazon)

• PELONIS Box Fan 20 Inch, 3-Speed, 4-Blade Airflow Technology — $39.53 (Amazon)

Lamp/Lighting

• Cozoo LED Desk Lamp with USB Charging Ports & AC Outlet, Touch/Memory/Timer — $27.99 (Amazon)

• Voncerus LED Desk Lamp with Clamp, Flexible Gooseneck, 3 Modes, Black — $22.99 | $16.99 (Amazon)

• Bostitch Office VLF100 LED Swing Arm Desk Lamp with Clamp Mount — $21.65 | $19.48 (Amazon)

Door Hanging Mirror

• BEAUTYPEAK 14” x 48” Adjustable Height Over The Door Mirror - $49.99 | $44.00

• LUXFURNI Vanity Mirror with Lights, 23.6”×20.5” Hollywood Mirror, 18 LED Bulbs — $58.99 (Amazon)

• Consciot Hollywood Style Vanity Mirror Lights, 10 Dimmable Bulbs, USB — $12.96 (Amazon)

• Target 13.5”×49.5” Framed Door Mirror (Room Essentials) — $8.00 (Target)

Alarm Clocks

• Cadmos 110dB Extra Loud Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers — $14.99 (Amazon)

• PPLEE Extra Loud Vibrating Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker — $23.99 | $22.79 (Amazon)

• Pavlok Shock Clock 3 Smart Alarm Wearable for Heavy Sleepers — $166.99 (Amazon)

Wall Decorations

• Command Variety Pack — 10 Pairs Picture Strips, 6 Wire Hooks & 8 Utility Hooks — $9.99 (Amazon)

• Command Picture Hanging Kit — Up to 15 Pictures, Strips & Poster Hangers — $16.79 (Amazon)

• Duck Brand Removable Poster Putty 2 oz White — $4.67 (Amazon)

Hangers

• AMAZON BASIC Velvet Non-Slip Space Saving Hangers $20.98 | $14.98

• Belle Maison Flocked Hangers 25-Pack — $14.99 | $9.59 (Kohl’s)

• Sonoma Goods For Life Hanging Swivel Closet Organizer — $29.99 | $19.19 (Kohl’s)

• Amazon Basics Slim Velvet Non-Slip Clothes Hangers, 50-Pack — Gray/Silver — $17.58 (Amazon)

Tools

• Amazon Basics by SKIL 4V Cordless Stick Screwdriver, 10-Piece Bit Set — $22.47 (Amazon)

• CRAFTSMAN 57-Piece Mechanics Tool Set — Sockets, Ratchet, Screwdrivers, Hammer, Pliers — $62.98 (Amazon)

Sheets

• Target Ultra Soft Brushed Easy Care Fitted Sheet by Bare Home Twin XL — White — $34.99 (Target)

• California Design Den Soft 100% Cotton Sateen XL Twin Sheets - $47.99 | $44.98

• Target CGK Linens Extra Deep Pocket 4-Piece Sheet Set Twin XL — $53.99 (Target)

• JOLLYVOGUE Pillows Queen Size Set of 4 — Alternative Down Fill — $38.99 | $31.99 (Amazon)

• SORMAG Bed Pillows 2-Pack — Queen Cooling Gusseted Pillows — $119.00 | $25.49 (Walmart)

• The Big One Gel Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow — $54.99 | $35.99 (Kohl’s)

Comforter, Duvet, or Quilt

• Bedsure Comforter Duvet Insert - Quilted Comforters Twin XL Size, All Season Duvet, GentleSoft Down Alternative Bedding, with 8 Tabs, Gifts for Women/Men, White, Twin XL 92 x 68 Inches $41.99 | $37.99

• Duvet Cover Twin/Twin XL - 2 Piece Set, College Dorm Room - White | College Dorm Room Essentials, Duvet Cover 68” x 90” with 1 Pillow Sham w/ Zipper Closures & Ties, Soft, Comfy & Breathable. $22.49 | $29.99

• Virtu Twin XL Comforter Set — Dorm Bed in a Bag with Accessories, Linen — $99.99 | $57.49 (Walmart)

• Bedsure Twin XL Comforter Set Grey — All Season Down Alternative with Sheets — $47.99 (Amazon)

Mattress Protector

• Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad — Quilted Fitted Bed Cover Protector — $35.99 | $30.99 (Amazon)

• Four Seasons Essentials Twin XL Mattress Protector Zippered Bed Bug Waterproof Encasement — $34.99 (Amazon)

• SureGuard Twin XL Mattress Protector — $35.97 (Amazon)

Mattress Topper

• Linenspa 3” Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper — Twin XL —
  $62.04 (Amazon) / Linenspa

• Sleepyhead® Gel Memory Foam Topper with CoolTech 2.0 Cover
  - $299 | $259 (Code Harlan40)

• Viscosoft 2” Memory Foam Mattress Topper — $59.95 (Amazon) / Viscosoft

• Tempur-Cloud 2” Memory Foam Topper — $144.00 (Amazon) / Perigold

Sleeping Mask

• Manta Sleep Mask — 100% Light Blocking, Adjustable with Detachable Eye Cups — $39.00 (Manta)

• MZOO Luxury Sleep Eye Mask — Zero Eye Pressure 3D Sleeping Mask — $16.99 (Amazon)

Earplugs

• Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs — Ultra-Comfy Reusable Noise-Reducing, 24dB — $24.70

Shower Shoes

• Shevalues Shower Shoes for Women & Men with Arch Support, Quick Drying — $22.99 | $11.99 (Amazon)

• WHITIN Women’s Non-Slip Slippers Cushioned, Quick Drying — $13.99 | $9.99 (Amazon)

Shower Caddy: Make sure it can dry fast.

• EUDELE Mesh Shower Caddy Portable, 8-Pocket — $15.99 | $9.99 (Amazon)

• Lifewit Mesh Shower Caddy Portable, 7-Pocket Freestanding — $7.99 | $6.99 (Amazon)

• Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy Portable for College Dorm, 9-Pocket — $7.99 (Amazon)

Bath Towels, Hand Towels, and Washcloths

• American Soft Linen Luxury 6-Piece Towel Set — $39.99 (Amazon)

• Martex 6-Piece Towel Set — $49.99 | $15.00 (Target)

• The Big One Antimicrobial Towel 6-Piece Set — $24.99 | $14.99 (Kohl’s)

Bathrobe

• Women’s Lightweight Waffle Full-Length Bath Robe — $21.20 (Amazon)

• Turkish Linen Men’s Waffle Bathrobe Lightweight, Quick Dry — $29.99 (Amazon)

Basic First-Aid Supplies

Mini First Aid Kit — 150 Piece, Small Waterproof Hard Shell — $9.99 (Amazon)

• First Aid Only 298-Piece All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit — $18.74 (Amazon)

• Car First Aid Kit 275-Piece Survival Gear — $16.99 (Amazon)

Common Over-the-Counter Medications

• Tylenol Extra Strength 500mg Acetaminophen Travel Size 10 ct — $1.99 (Amazon)

• Pepto Bismol Chewable Tablets 5-Symptom Relief 48 ct — $8.47 (Amazon)

• Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets, 200 mg — $1.99 (Amazon)

• Dramamine Motion Sickness Less Drowsy 8 Count — $3.97 (Amazon)

Portable Charger

• Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh, 165W Total Output, 3 USB-C Ports — $119.99 (Amazon)

• OHOVIV PORTABLE CHARGER BANK 50000mAh,4 Built-in Cables Battery Pack | 22.5W Fast-Charge $47.99 | $33.99

• Amazon 48-Pack AA Alkaline High-Performance Batteries - $15.29 | $12.74

Surge-Protected Power Strip

• SUPERDANNY Surge Protector Power Strip, 8 Outlets + 4 USB Ports, 10 ft Cord — $19.99 | $12.98 (Amazon)

• HANYCONY Surge Protector Power Strip, 8 Outlets + 4 USB Ports, 5 ft Braided Cord — $11.99 (Amazon)

• Tripp Lite 7-Outlet Surge Protector with Individually Controlled Switches — $64.00 | $32.57 (Amazon)

Backpack with Padded Laptop Compartment

• KAKA Travel Backpack / Convertible Duffel Bag — $43.76 (Amazon)

• Amazon Basics Travel Backpack — $31.51 (Amazon)

• WONHOX Large Travel Backpack / Carry-On — $23.99 | $21.58 (Amazon)

Laundry Hamper or Bag with Handles

• VASAGLE 46L Laundry Hamper with 2 Pull-Out Bags and Shelf, White — $83.32 | $49.99 (Target)

• Olldide 150L Laundry Hamper with Wheels, Metal Frame, Removable Bag — $34.99 | $26.99 (Amazon)

• The Big One Backpack Laundry Bag with Front Pocket — $39.99 | $27.99 (Kohl’s)

Detergent

• Tru Earth Dry Laundry Detergent Sheets, Unscented, 32 Strips | Up to 64 Loads $14.74

• Tide evo Laundry Detergent Original Scent Works on 100% of Common Stains Concentrated Travel Detergent $9.99 | $7.41

Stain Remover and Dryer Sheets

• Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray — $15.94 (Amazon)

• Tide Stain Remover To-Go Pen Instant Spot Remover (6-Pack) — $8.96 (Amazon)

• Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets Outdoor Fresh 240 Count — $9.97 (Amazon)

Disinfectant Wipes

• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Fresh Scent & Crisp Lemon, 75-Count Pack of 3 — $12.78 (Amazon)

• Crocodile Cloth PowerSCRUB Heavy Duty Cleaning Wipes 15”×10” – 40 Count — $17.49 (Amazon)

Broom & Dustpan

• Kelamayi Upgrade Broom and Dustpan Set with Long Handle — $19.60 (Amazon)

• Roborock F25 GT Vacuum Mop All-in-One — Wet/Dry Cordless Vacuum — $19.60 (Amazon)

Trash Can

• simplehuman 6 Liter Compact Plastic Round Bathroom Step Trash Can — $30.00 (Amazon)

• TINANA Smart Sensor Trash Can 2-Pack — $22.99 (Walmart)

Reusable Water Bottle

• Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, BPA-Free 32 oz — $34.99 (Target)

• Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle 32 oz — Black — $43.25 (Amazon)

• Brita Premium Water Filter Bottle 26 oz — $22.89 | $15.99 (Amazon)

Weather Protection

• Frelaxy Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover 10000mm Waterproof Level — $9.99 (Amazon)

• ANYOO Hooded Rain Poncho for Adults, Waterproof Lightweight Reusable — $13.99 (Amazon)

Legal Documents

• Mama Bear Legal Documents — Young Adult Healthcare Directive & POA (use code HARLAN20 for 20% off) — MamaBearLegalForms.com

These might also be things you need (depending on you budget)

Area Rug

• Washable Rugs 5x7 Area Rugs for Living Room or Bedroom — $29.69 (Amazon)

• Cotiled Boho 5x7 Area Rugs for Living Room: Soft Moroccan Washable Rug — $33.74 (Amazon)

Bedside Caddy or Clip-On Shelf

• Loghot Bedside Caddy Storage Bag Hanging Organizer for Bunk & Hospital Beds — Grey — $15.95 (Amazon)

• BedShelfie Bedside Shelf for Dorm Room — $34.99 (Amazon)

Vacuums

• KARCHER - CVH 2 Cordless Hand Vacuum — $79.99 | $39.99

• BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum $32.99 | $24.99

Small Air Purifier or Humidifier

• Air Purifiers for Bedroom with High Efficiency Filter, Up to 1076 Ft² — $38.99 | $29.99 (Amazon)

• LEVOIT Core 200S-P Air Purifier, Smart & Voice Control — $89.99 | $74.99 (Amazon)

• Shark NeverChange Compact Pro Air Purifier for Bedroom/Nursery — $139.99 (SharkNinja)

Television

• Roku 40-Inch Select Series Smart TV 2026-1080p Full HD TV - RokuTV | Flat Screen LED Television with Voice Remote $169.99 | $129.99

Noise-Cancelling Headphone

• Soundcore by Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, 70H Playtime — $59.99 | $44.99 (Amazon)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation $249 | $189.99

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Headphones with Mic — $233.50 (Amazon)

• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones — Active Over-Ear Noise Cancelling — $359.00 (Amazon)Food & Kitchen

Mini-Fridge and Microwave

• Whirlpool 3.1 cu ft Mini Refrigerator Stainless Steel — $219.99 | $129.99 (Target)

• COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu Ft/700W — $99.99 | $68.99 (Amazon)

• Frigidaire Mini Personal Fridge Cooler, 10L/15 Cans, Brushed Black — $56.98 (Amazon)

Water Filter Pitcher

• Brita Metro Water Filter Pitcher with SmartLight Change Indicator — $17.80 (Amazon)

• Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher 10-Cup Capacity — $28.33 (Amazon)

• Brita UltraMax Large Water Dispenser with Standard Filter, 27-Cup — $37.97 (Amazon)

Electric Kettle

• Hamilton Beach Electric Tea Kettle 1.7 Liter — $44.95 (Amazon)

• Elite Gourmet EKT3001 1L Digital Water Kettle Stainless Steel Interior — $44.95 (Amazon)

Coffee Maker

• Keurig K-Mini Go Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker — $99.99 | $69.99 (Target)

• Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker, Oasis — $49.64 (Amazon)

Ice Maker:

• EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 34 lbs/Day, Auto-Cleaning — Black — $151.98 (Amazon)

• Frigidaire EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day — $93.99 (Amazon)

Under-Bed Storage Bins

• Budding Joy 90L Under Bed Storage Containers, Foldable — Grey — $20.99 (Amazon)

• IKEA Dorm Underbed Storage Bins and Containers — $21.99 (IKEA)

Bed Risers

• Utopia Bedding Bed Riser 3 & 5 Inches Adjustable, Supports Up to 1300 lbs — White — $17.99 (Amazon)

• Home It Adjustable Bed Risers — Elevation in 3, 5 or 8 Inch — $31.99 (Amazon)

Whiteboard

• VIZ-PRO Magnetic Whiteboard / Dry Erase Board 36×24” — $30.90 (Amazon)

• U Brands Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar White Board, 30”×20” — $34.99 | $32.45 (Amazon)

• VIZ-PRO Magnetic Dry Erase Board 24×18 Inches — $23.50 (Amazon)

Doorstop:

• Omoojee Cute Door Stopper Wedge Non-Slip, White — $8.99 (Amazon)

• BINFEW Heavy Duty Metal Door Stop Adjustable Spring Stopper — $9.98 (Amazon)

Foldable Step Stool

ACKO Folding Step Stool 16 Inch, 400 lb Capacity, Black — $29.99 | $21.99 (Amazon)

• ACSTEP Folding Step Stool 11 Inch, Sturdy Plastic Foldable — $14.99 | $12.39 (Amazon)

• HBTower Folding Step Stool 9 Inch, 600 lb Capacity — $14.99 | $11.99 (Amazon)

Read your housing contract. A lot these items are banned.

🚫 Strictly prohibited — fire and safety hazards

• Open-flame items: candles, incense, oil warmers, matches, lighters

• Unapproved heating elements: space heaters, halogen lamps, electric blankets without auto-shutoff

• Non-surge-protected extension cords or daisy-chained power strips (see List 1 → Tech & Power for approved options)

• High-heat kitchen appliances: toaster ovens, hot plates, air fryers, deep fryers, indoor grills

• Ceiling tapestries or fabric canopies

⚠️ Commonly prohibited — verify in your housing contract

• Hoverboards and electric scooters (lithium-ion battery fire risk)

• Personal Wi-Fi routers or extenders (interferes with campus networks)

• Pets of any kind

• Weapons of any kind

• Adhesives that damage wall paint (for damage-free alternatives, see List 2 → Study, Tech & Ambiance → Removable Poster Strips)

Browse all of Harlan’s crowdsourced lists. Build your own lists. Create a wish list to share with family & friends > Tap Here

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